YenzoWhat is E1205 (basic methacrylate copolymer)?
E1205 is basic methacrylate copolymer, INS number 1205 in the Codex INS list.
E1205Basic methacrylate copolymer
E1205 is basic methacrylate copolymer (INS 1205). It has no row in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, but it is still permitted under Article 5.5 of the Circular, because INS 1205 is listed in Table 1 of the Codex GSFA.
- Code
- E1205 · INS 1205
- Group
- Glazing agent
In Vietnam✓ PermittedPermitted under Article 5.5 of Circular 24/2019 (Appendices 2A/3 follow Codex GSFA Table 1)
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E1205 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, glazing agent (1205), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
glazing agent (1205)glazing agent 1205E1205INS 1205
Questions about basic methacrylate copolymer
Is basic methacrylate copolymer harmful?
In 2010 EFSA considered that an ADI should not be derived for basic methacrylate copolymer (BMC, E 1205) and concluded that its use as a glazing/coating agent in solid food supplements is not of safety concern at the proposed use levels. In 2016 EFSA considered that this conclusion would still be valid for BMC produced by the new manufacturing procedure.
Is E1205 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes, under Article 5.5 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT. Appendix 1 of this Circular (consolidated text 09/VBHN-BYT) has no row with INS 1205, and neither does Appendix 2B. But Article 5.5 (added by Circular 17/2023/TT-BYT) provides that Appendices 2A and 3 are updated to follow Tables 1 and 3 of the latest Codex GSFA. INS 1205 is listed in Table 1 of the GSFA (revisions through 2026). For the specific food categories and use levels, see Table 1 of the GSFA.
Other glazing agents
E1201PolyvinylpyrrolidonelowE1203Polyvinyl alcohollowE1204Pullulanvery lowE1206Neutral methacrylate copolymerlowE1207Anionic methacrylate copolymerlowE1208Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymerlow
See all glazing agents →Updated 28 October 2026
Sources (4)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e1205)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), chú thích 4 của Điều 5 khoản 5
- EFSA Journal (2016). Safety of the proposed amendment of the specifications for basic methacrylate copolymer (E 1205) as a food additive
- Codex Alimentarius, General Standard for Food Additives CXS 192-1995 (revisions through 2026), Table 1: INS 1205